Usable Technology: Innovation to Improve Everyday Life

John Chier, Director of Corporate Communications, KyoceraMay 12, 2016

Waterproof. Wireless charging. Fingerprint authentication. More computing power than NASA’s original moon landers. The level of innovation happening in the mobile industry is groundbreaking and changing the way we interact with one another. But sometimes the marketing claims seem too good to be true. And sometimes they seem downright unnecessary: “Now why would I want that?”

At Kyocera, we listen to our customers and their issues, wants and needs, and then we build devices that address their feedback. For us, it’s not enough to introduce the latest and greatest feature because it sounds cool or because it checks a box. We don’t have what we see as the industry’s “Spinal Tap” mentality, where everything has to go to “11” just because 11 is greater than 10. We introduce a new feature or capability because it meets a real need, it is practical and it delivers true value.

Lately, you’ve likely heard a lot about new devices claiming exciting new features – waterproof, shatterproof, wireless charging-capable and dustproof, among many others. We also build some of these features into our Kyocera devices, but rather than trying to “out-spec” our competitors, we make sure that these capabilities are implemented to solve real-world issues and that the devices are always usable when it comes to challenging real-life situations.

As the leader in rugged devices, we focus our efforts on ensuring that our devices live up to their promises. Here are a few of Kyocera’s recently introduced features and how they function in the real world:

Yes, I can hear you now! (Thanks to Smart Sonic Receiver and dual speakers)

Voice communication, be it frequent or rare, remains a critical function for mobiles devices. Yet call quality continues to be a primary issue among smartphone users – especially those using Push-to-Talk services.

Kyocera’s Smart Sonic Receiver and dual-speaker technology deliver superior sound in virtually any environment, in place of a visible in-ear speaker. For example, the Verizon Brigadier and Sprint TorqueXT, which integrate Kyocera’s Smart Sonic Receiver technology, make it easy to hear calls even in the presence of heavy background noise, such as that created by construction and manufacturing equipment, traffic or large crowds. Smart Sonic Receiver technology uses a proprietary Kyocera ceramic transducer that transmits sound waves from the device as vibrations that reach the eardrum directly through the body.

Kyocera’s Sapphire Shield is a crystal display technology that is virtually scratchproof, offering premium protection against drops and sharp or abrasive objects. An ultra-strong sapphire screen (fun fact: on the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness, sapphires are second only to diamonds) provides more protection than most smartphone cases, not only against various angles of drops, but also against scratches and objects dropped directly onto the screen.

Military-Grade Protection Against the Elements

Certified to Ingress Protection (IP) and Military Standard 810G durability ratings, Kyocera constructs many of its devices to withstand the harshest environmental elements, with protection against rain, dust, heat, humidity, vibration and solar radiation. They’re also waterproof for up to 30 minutes and many are even certified to OSHA standard Nonincendive, Class 1, Division 2, Group A-D, T4, meaning they are safe to operate in hazardous locations where high concentrations of flammable gases, vapors and mists may exist.

Glove and Wet Touchscreen Operation

Our customers are often working in the harshest work settings and environmental conditions, including wind, snow and rain. That’s why many of our devices feature Glove & Wet Touchscreen Operation. Whether they’re work gloves on the jobsite or insulated gloves in the cold, seamless glove and wet touchscreen operation help field force workers stay connected all day long, regardless of their environmental conditions, without compromising their safety or well-being.

Wireless charging

Battery life continues to be a top pain point of mobile users. The rugged consumer needs multiple options when it comes to charging their devices, including the newest form of battery juicing—wireless charging. With wireless charging, mobile consumers can charge their compatible devices without needing to plug in. By simply placing certain Kyocera devices, including the Kyocera Elite, Brigadier and DuraForce, on a charging pad, charging will begin and our customers don’t need to worry about having enough battery life to get them through the day.

Mobile innovation needs to be more than just hype. At Kyocera, we don’t just talk the talk—we walk the walk when it comes to creating highly usable rugged devices. It’s a passion of ours and something we are committed to for anyone who considers themselves a rugged user. For more information on our product lineup please visit www.kyoceramobile.com/phones/.